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Buddhists/Tibetan Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism

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Expert: - 2/28/2009


Question
What are the differences between Tibetan Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism?

Answer
Hi Julia,
Good question, but one that would really need a huge answer.
Some of the key principles are the same, but the expression of those principles is much more colourful and varied in Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism includes a vast range of techniques, methods and teachings. My suggestion would be that it is going to be easier to study one or the other on its own terms rather than to compare.
Sorry that's not much of an answer!

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Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

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